Find out what Pilates can do for you.
Fair warning: you’re probably going to like it.
Featured Workout of the Week!
Check back every Wednesday for a brand new, FREE on-demand workout - each class is expertly programmed to challenge you, energize you, and - quite simply - help you move better throughout your whole life… no matter where you are in your fitness journey. There’s always a way to keep moving.
If you want more of the good stuff, pop on my mailing list or join me every Sunday at 10 am pacific (live via Google Meet) or on-demand anytime. It's time to love the way you move.
“I love exercises lying on the belly!”… said literally no one ever. But what if we opened up a little bit - both mentally and physically - so we were prepared for those moments? What if we took the pressure off and just let ourselves do the version of the exercise that meets us exactly where we are?
This all-levels Pilates mat workout invites you to approach spinal extension with an open mind. We use rotation (extension’s BFF) to free up the back and build slowly into more progressed exercises, so you can identify YOUR version of extension for today - no pinching, no crunching, no gripping.. just length and lift.
(90 second intro)
What to expect: We get our first taste of extension in a cat/cow followed by a T-Spine rotation that opens up the back. The warm up continues with more chances to find the extension that’s right for YOUR body today. Then we work through 3 sequences lying on the belly - each works the back body differently and lets you explore greater range of motion if it feels right. We also see a couple of planks in this workout - modify as you see fit!
Equipment: Nothing fancy! All you need is a mat or long towel. If you prefer to elevate the upper body in quadruped or planks, have a set of blocks, a foam roller, or thick books to place your hands on or set up near a wall, countertop, or stool and take those exercises to your feet.
Modifications: This workout is welcoming to all levels and abilities. However, if you’re currently pregnant, lying on the belly is probably not for you right now! Follow my same cues in a seated position or check out my on-demand library for a prenatal-welcoming alternative. For more support in planks, keep your knees down. If you have a history of disc issues, minimize range of motion in spinal sequencing and check with your doctor to ensure this type of motion is safe for you. Reach out if you have questions!
Ready for more?
I have hundreds more Pilates and Pilates-inspired workouts on my Vimeo page, but sometimes too much of a great thing can be overwhelming. Here are a few of my absolute favorites - hand-picked to help you see why I love Pilates so much and to give you exactly your body needs TODAY.
Welcome to your express train to the pelvic floor - aka more stability, strength, and POWER! This all levels class uses a yoga mini ball to find the connection to the midline as we work through a series of deep abdominal and inner thigh focused exercises... lots of sneaky oblique work in this one too!
If you don't have a ball, grab a small pillow, folded up towel, or roll of TP.
The flow of this class is quick, but comprehensive. After a quick warmup to find the breath and active the core stabilizers, you'll work allllll the abs (duh), glutes, and back body.
It’s ideal for days when you want to get the work in but only have a few minutes to move OR to tack on to another workout. Either way, it’s a celebration of movement and time for YOU.
No special equipment is needed, but if you have wrist weights, throw them on to turn the heat up a notch.
As the seasons start to shift, take a moment to get back to your body and reset. This all levels class focuses on simple, controlled movements to open up the body and draw your focus inward.
Taking this time to center the body and use your breath to create energy will pay dividends as you jump into whatever's up next. Have a strap or Pilates ring to help stretch, if desired!
Bookmark this all levels class for the days where you have zero time but still want to move - you'll strengthen and mobilize the full body in just over 15 mins. There are plenty of challenging exercises with just your bodyweight, but throw on a pair of wrist or ankle weights to up the ante on your core (or for a longer workout, take it back to back - once with wrist weights and once with ankle weights!)
Week 33 of the 2021 Pilates Challenge feature Bicycles. This challenging abdominal exercise requires a combination of core strength, flexibility, and use of the upper body. BUT - don't be intimidated by this advanced exercise! The 28 minute class is comprehensive and built for beginners - you'll learn how to build into the exercise safely and progressively. A yoga block or ball is recommended to help build into the exercise, but no props are required.
Get on your feet for this energetic class focused on building lower body and core strength to improve balance. After a quick core warm up, the remainder of the class is done standing - while many of the exercises aren't usually found in a Pilates mat class, all of the same principles apply: stabilization, breath, alignment, and tapping into the core. No special equipment is needed, ,but a chair, stool, or countertop may be helpful to help balance in some exercises. All levels and abilities are welcome, including pre/postnatal.
For Week 32 of the 2021 Pilates Challenge, we have a therapeutic series of exercises focused on the lower back - specifically the SI (sacroiliac) joint. This class is designed to re-align the spine and pelvis, and mobilize, stretch, and strengthen the key muscles that surround the joint. It's ideal for anyone struggling with lower back pain or seeking to prevent it from recurring! All levels are welcome- modifications are given for injury or prenatal/postpartum.
This well-rounded ab workout will work every part of your core in just over 15 minutes. Using exercises from the classic Pilates mat repertory plus a few fun variations, you can count on this workout to fire up those abdominals anytime, anywhere. All levels are welcome, no props necessary.